The miter saw may seem simple to use at first. However, it can actually be difficult to ensure you get good results. Here are some top tips from Miter Saw Buzz Reviews that’ll help you achieve straight cuts on any piece of wood, without the risk of splinters.
Get a Pushed-Back Fence Extension
Straight pieces of wood are easy to cut, but what about bent pieces? If you have an extended fence, you can accurately cut ends no matter what by making a single adjustment: push the fence back so it’s not in the way. You can do this for bent, flat boards, too.
A Single Blade Achieves It All
The blade that comes with your compound miter saw is great for cutting 2x4s. When it comes to cutting plywood and hardwood, change the original blade with one that has a negative rake and a higher tooth count. You can cut all types of wood with this replacement blade. But, plan to spend more, because the higher the number of teeth, the higher the price.
Make Sure You Can Carry It Easily
In order to make your saw more compact and easier to carry, merely rotate your saw’s turntable all the way, either to the left or the right. This will make it easier to balance, as the handle will be closer to the saw’s center of gravity.
Use a Block to Set Bevel Angles
It’s much easier to make a setup block than to read your saw’s bevel scale, as the scale’s divided by hard-to-read lines and has crude cursors. To make the block, leave the blade with no tilt and at 90 degrees. Rotate the saw table to the angle you want, then place the block flat on the table and cut it. Stand the block on the edge of the fence to adjust the blade’s tilt.
Utilize the Hold-Down Feature
A good cut can be ruined by a small creep. Using your saw’s hold-down clamp is the best way to prevent a board from moving as you’re cutting. Typical clamps won’t work well for this.
Don’t Move On Until the Blade Stops
We’ve all accidentally launched blocks of wood from our miter saw. Small pieces are the worst. But, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know how to stop this: wait until the blade stops before you lift it. Make the cut, take your fingers off the trigger, and count slowly to five.
Mark the Middle of the Board
The blade will cut first at the board’s middle. Rather than at the board’s edge, that’s where your layout mark should be. As you’re marking a board, indicate the side you’ll be throwing away with an X so you can keep track. Shift the board until the mark lines up with the blade, then raise the blade and make the cut.
Make Sure Your Saw is Still Square
Most saws cut reasonably square when they’re new, but their efficiency will probably falter. It’s a good idea to check your saw and to readjust every once in a while. A plastic drafting square is a great tool for this job.
By following these tips, you’ll achieve a great cut, every time.
